Arizona Federal Workers Rally Against Trump’s Labor Policies

In a show of unity and concern, federal employees and union leaders gathered in Phoenix to voice their disapproval of recent government directives impacting their work environment. The group is advocating for legislative intervention against these executive decisions.

The focal point of the rally was opposition to the executive order by the Trump administration that effectively removes collective bargaining rights for unions within 18 federal agencies.

Tim Cox, an investigator with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Phoenix Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), shared how the order has disrupted ongoing investigations. His role involves enforcing laws related to equal opportunity and affirmative action over federal contractors.

Due to the abrupt halt in investigations, numerous discrimination cases remain unresolved, leaving many without restitution. “The last discrimination case I had took two years. From scheduling them to be reviewed, to finally resolving the discrimination and people getting checks, so you’re looking at years of work that just, essentially, went out the window,” Cox explained.

The OFCCP also upholds the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring workplace protections for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Significant changes are looming for the OFCCP as its workforce is expected to be drastically reduced, with office locations shrinking from 55 to just four.

Amidst this uncertainty, Cox and his colleagues await further guidance while they continue to respond to inquiries from federal contractors regarding compliance with existing laws.

Efforts to counter these executive actions are underway, with Democratic Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari working towards reversing these decisions. However, she acknowledges the potential for further executive orders that could hinder legislative progress. “This is something every American should be concerned about. It’s something we think about and are working on every single day: to plan for the worst case scenario where we do see a president that is willing to completely disregard the law,” she noted.

Legal challenges have seen some success, with numerous lawsuits leading to the reinstatement of federal employees. Arizona alone is home to more than 38,000 federal workers.

Democratic Congressman Greg Stanton emphasized bipartisan efforts in Congress, with collaboration from both Democrats and Republicans, to overturn the collective bargaining order. He emphasized the need for more Republican support, stating, “We need more Republicans to stand up for the role and responsibility of Congress. You don’t work for Donald Trump, we’re an independent branch of government.”